Yale Hosts Connell Cup

Mar 26, 2005

March 26, 2005

Derby, CT -
Despite hampering cold weather and icy conditions on the Housatonic River last week, the women's crew team put in a strong effort Saturday afternoon at the Connell Cup. Yale hosted Penn and Columbia at the Gilder Boat House in competing for the all points trophy.

In the first varsity boat, the Bulldogs finished first, posting a time of 6:41.1, over eight seconds faster than second place Columbia. The Elis also took first in the second varsity competition and finished second in third varsity to the Quakers. The Lions finished first in the first novice race, but were disqualified for missing a buoy, rendering Yale's time of 7:00 the top time.

"It was good to get our first race under our belt," Yale Head Coach Will Porter said. "It gives us chance to see how fast we are against competition other than ourselves. I was pleased with the way the varsity and second varsity raced, but our lower boats need some work."

Unlike most cup events, the Connell Cup measures points for all boat classes, not just first varsity.

"The Connell Cup is one of my favorite races because it includes the entire team concept as an all points trophy," Porter said,